[Prudence]

Do not deprive us of the opportunity to discuss tulle circles and pointless, engraved knick-knacks!

Does your swell location require an evening time-frame? Because sometimes you can get discount rental rates if you go earlier in the day and the venue can basically squeeze in two rentals in one day. And then you could take off for a group romp around the town.

Also, whenever you choose, keep traffic issues in mind. If you do evening, and choose weekday, keep rush hour in mind. Always consider sporting events, concerts, graduations, or anything else that is likely to surprise guests and/or vendors.

Oooh - the other thing about buffet type service is that you don't have to hire (or tip) waitstaff. Are you culinarily inclined to make food yourselves? Or commission others to do so on your behalf (without actually becoming potluck)? If it's evening, you could always forgo the actual meal bits in favor of a ginormous dessert reception. Chocolate fountain! Lots of cookies can be made in advance and frozen. Desserts would definitely increase the flow of hedons.